CD REVIEWS

An occasional update of music releases

By
Roderck Nordell, Frank Scheck, and Jeff Danziger /
March 10, 1995

JAZZ. Erroll Garner - That's My Kick and Gemini (Telarc): This. two-album disc makes a wonderful bluesy-Latino start to Telarc's series from Garner's own Octave label of 1959-73. It recalls still more facets of his rollicking piano virtuosity to go with EmArcy's CDs of previously unreleased recordings. The composer - eight unearthed gems including a ``Nervous Waltz'' whose hesitations get airily filled. Harpsichordist - a minimalist thread of melody against boiling percussion in ``Tea for Two,'' a touch of Romany rye in ``When a Gypsy Makes His Violin Cry.'' Improviser - each piece a new model not retread. After EmArcy's dreamy ``These Foolish Things,'' Telarc's twice-as-long version has different bass patterns, jagged wake-up transition, and romping second half. And Erroll's ``Autumn Leaves'' seems like spring.

- Roderick Nordell JAZZ. Geri Allen - Twenty One (Blue Note): Allen has quickly positioned herself as a jazz pianist to be reckoned with; this, her third Blue Note release, features her performing as a trio, along with the great rhythm section of Ron Carter and Tony Williams. Old standards such as ``Tea for Two'' are enlivened by Allen's vigorous approach, which is particularly showcased in such hard-driving originals as ``Feed the Fire'' and ``A Place of Power.'' Look for this talented pianist when she tours as part of Ornette Coleman's new acoustic quartet.

- Frank Scheck INSTRUMENTAL. Mark Jones and Robert Torres - The Water is Wide (Channel Productions): For weekends around the house, try Jones and Torres's new album of guitar classics. The guitar work is pleasant, but the selection is the best part. Grieg's ``At the Cradle'' is matched by Pat Metheny's ``Letter from Home,'' and Bach's ``Sleeper's Awake'' with a Newfoundland folk ballad. Other well-chosen bands are ``Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring'' and ``A Poor Wayfaring Man of God'' by George Coles. This album is destined to be played in repeat mode.